Russia circumvents arms production sanctions with US, Chinese components - media

Politico reported the information.

The outlet noted that Russia needs microchips, sensors, and navigation systems to replenish its weapons stockpile, including Kinzhal missiles or reconnaissance and strike UAVs, to continue attacking Ukraine's territory.

"If anything, Russia’s capacity to manufacture missiles and drones appears to have increased in 2023," the Yermak-McFaul International Working Group said in a joint study.

According to Ukraine's estimates, in 2022, Russia's missile capabilities amounted to 50 missiles per month, doubling to 100 by mid-2023 and reaching 115 by the end of the year. However, if Russia continues to unleash its arsenal at current rates, that still means it will deplete its stocks.

The report notes that Ukraine's partner states have imposed sanctions on many of the 2,800 Western components found in the wreckage of Russian weapons on the battlefield. A detailed analysis of Russian trade figures shows that in the first 10 months of last year, Western companies supplied 48% of these components, while China supplied 45%.

The largest technology supplier was the American company Intel, followed by China's Huawei. The top ten also includes American companies Analog Devices, AMD, Texas Instruments, IBM, and Dell.

• On December 22, 2023, President Biden issued a new executive order to strengthen the US Treasury Department's ability to control financial institutions that help Russia purchase military equipment bypassing sanctions.